Good environmental management is a natural part of good business management. The Sustainability Advantage Program from the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW assists businesses to achieve good environmental performance that will reduce risk, lower costs, improve productivity and enhance reputation.
To promote the Sustainability Advantage Program, the Department of Environment Climate Change and Water NSW supported the Large Business Sustainability Award, part of the Banksia Awards. The award was won by the GTP Group, which is involved in the Sustainability Advantage Program. The award is presented for the incorporation of social, financial and environmental responsibility initiatives by a large company, organisation or business.
As one of Australia's largest diversified listed property groups, GPT aspires to leadership in the property sector through the quality of its assets and approach to corporate responsibility. As an owner, manager and developer of Australian real estate, GPT's commitment to corporate responsibility is to improve the social and ecological capital of communities.
GPT's results demonstrate the significant contribution to driving innovative sustainable solutions in property. Through the Sustainability Advantage Program, a GPT managed property, Carlingford Court Shopping Centre, is making strong progress in sustainability, with significant savings in energy, water and waste. The savings are outlined in the table below, which shows figures for 2008, compared to 2007 when the centre joined the program.
| Energy |
100 per cent reduction in gas use for heating (a saving of 442,000MJ and approximately $10,000) |
| Water |
10 per cent reduction in use |
| Waste |
25 per cent reduction (from 1,066 tonnes in 2007 to 800 tonnes in 2008) |
GPT's long-term objective is to be a catalyst amongst our community of stakeholders to pursue a condition of sustainability that secures future generations a safe, healthy and equitable world.
To read more about the Banksia Awards visit www.banksiafdn.com